אֲנָקָה
𐤀𐤍𐤒𐤄
ʼănâqâh
H604 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of lizard, most likely the gecko, noted for its plaintive or wailing cry. The word refers specifically to a species among the animals classified as ritually unclean in Leviticus 11:30. The primary lexical sense is that of a particular reptile whose audible sounds (a weak crying or groaning noise) distinguished it among the Israelites. The broader semantic range, however, is limited in biblical usage to this zoological identification.
Semantic Range
a lizard (likely the gecko) distinguished by its vocalizations; an animal classified as unclean in Leviticus; not otherwise attested as a common noun for 'wailing' outside this zoological context
Root / Etymology
From the Hebrew root אנק (ʼ-n-q), which primarily means 'to groan, to sigh, to emit a plaintive sound.' While the root elsewhere refers to the act of groaning or sighing, here the noun is used as a designation for a creature characterized by this trait. The term is thus applied by extension to a lizard—the gecko—because of its vocalizations.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אֲנָקָה appears only once in the Hebrew Bible (Leviticus 11:30), in a list of small land animals declared unclean. The identification with the gecko arises from the animal's vocal behavior, aligning with the root meaning 'to groan' or 'to wail.' Ancient translations vary in their rendering: the Septuagint translates it as 'gecko', while later rabbinic tradition identifies it similarly. The English term 'ferret' in some translations is likely based on later unfamiliarity with the zoological referent, since ferrets did not exist natively in the region and do not make the same vocalizations. Rabbinic sources (e.g., Mishnah and Talmud) attempt to clarify the species, but certainty is elusive. The core point is that the biblical term denoted an animal distinguishable by its weak or wailing cry, in keeping with the root meaning. Unlike many other unclean animals in the Torah's lists, this term is not used elsewhere, nor does it carry metaphorical or symbolic import. The strong association with sound (rather than appearance or behavior) distinguishes it within zoological terminology of ancient Israel.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as אֲנָקָה; some kind of lizard, probably the gecko (from its wail); ferret.
Bantu Hebrew
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אנק (ʾ-n-q) — to groan, to sigh, to wail
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H604-01 |
וְ/הָ/אֲנָקָ֥ה | vehaanaqah | HC/Td/Ncfsa |
and the gecko | and the wailing-gecko | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H604-01 |
Leviticus 11:30 | וְ/הָ/אֲנָקָ֥ה | vehaanaqah | HC/Td/Ncfsa |
and the gecko | and the wailing-gecko |